Dry Fire Practice

Dry fire is an essential part of any practice routine. Now I say that with a disclaimer. Dry fire must be used in the correct context. This is not a training technique for adding accuracy, although accuracy will follow. Using this for anything other than what it’s meant for will result in not getting everything possible out of it.

Dry Fire is a confidence builder. Every time you dry fire you get a controlled test field where you can see how you handle the basics without the distraction of recoil. Sight picture, trigger control, grip, and even stance can all be practiced anywhere. Doing so will build confidence in the form of realizing that you had all the basics under control and therefore would have hit your target.

Snap caps are great for dry fire practice and other dry drills. Everyone should have a package of them for any pistol you intend to carry.

You will also notice what went wrong. You will see even a small jerk. You will notice if your finger is pushing or pulling on the trigger so you can know what position to keep your finger at. You will see everything you need to correct.

As an example, I used dry fire at this past years MAG-40. The range staff always runs through the shooting qualification before the students. I wanted to make sure I could perform adequately. Gaining the confidence I needed I actually improved my score from the year before.

(SAFETY NOTE) Dry fire practice must happen in a controlled environment. For proper safety always keep your ammunition in a separate room. Snap caps are always useful. As important as dry fire practice is…doing so safely is even more important. Safety first.